Essay Sample on Climate Change Impact on the Environment

Polar Bears could be extinct and island nations could be underwater in the near future due to climate change. Climate change is discussed all the time, but often the severity and effects of it are not realized. Climate change affects humans and the environment because it causes the sea levels to rise, the global temperature to rise, and a reduction of glaciers and arctic ice.

Climate change affects humans and the environment because it causes sea levels to rise. According to Carbon Brief, “As the ocean warms, seawater becomes less dense and expands, raising sea levels” (Carbon Brief). This quote explains how our sea level is continually rising as the global temperature gets warmer. We are experiencing thermal expansion due to rising temperatures on earth. As stated by National Geographic, “Sea levels are expected to rise between 10 and 32 inches (26 and 82 centimeters) or higher by the end of the century” (National Geographic). Sea levels are estimated to rise a large amount by the end of the century. These numbers show the severity of negative change that is anticipated to happen. Sea Level Rise is a severe impact of climate change and sea levels are beginning to rise quicker and quicker. With the rising sea levels, small island nations and coastal regions could be severely threatened by the end of the century.

Climate change affects humans and the environment because it causes temperatures to rise. According to National Geographic “Rising temperatures are affecting wildlife and their habitats. Vanishing ice has challenged species such as the Adélie penguin in Antarctica, where some populations on the western peninsula have collapsed by 90 percent or more” (National Geographic). Rising temperatures affect where wildlife can reside and may even cause major reductions in population as some of the species cannot survive in the rising temperatures. As stated by Global Change “The increase in annual average global temperatures relative to preindustrial times could reach 9°F (5°C) or more by the end of this century (high confidence)” (Global Change). Earth's  temperature could rise 9 degrees or more by 2030, scientists and researchers state this with high confidence. Global temperatures continue to change rapidly compared to the natural changes that have happened throughout the past. There have been trends observed that provide consistent evidence of a warming planet.

Climate change affects humans and the environment because it contributes to decreasing sea ice and shrinking glaciers. World Wildlife reports that “We lose Arctic sea ice at a rate of almost 13% per decade, and over the past 30 years, the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic has declined by a stunning 95%” (World Wildlife). We are losing ice exceedingly fast. Even the thickest ice is hastily melting over the years. World Wildlife states that “If emissions continue to rise unchecked, the Arctic could be ice-free in the summer by 2040” (World Wildlife).  If the amount of gas and radiation that is being released into the Earth’s air does not decrease the Arctic could soon  have no ice. Ice in the Arctic is crucial to help moderate global climate. Without sea ice many Arctic animals would suffer or perish.  Permafrost is ice that always remains frozen below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Polar ice caps are melting and permafrost is being threatened.

Rising sea levels, rising global temperatures and reduction of glaciers and arctic ice are immense impacts of climate change. Sea levels are rising fast and putting small island nations at risk. Rising global temperatures contribute to the extinction of animals. Reduction of sea ice and shrinking glaciers affect the moderation of global climate as well as arctic animals. Climate change affects humans and the environment in many different ways. Without a change of our global emissions there will be dramatic effects shown by the end of the century. 

Works Cited

“Explainer: How Climate Change Is Accelerating Sea Level Rise.” Carbon Brief, 19 Aug. 2021, www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-climate-change-is-accelerating-sea-level-rise

“Global Warming Effects.” Environment, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/global-warming-effects. 

“Our Globally Changing Climate.” - Global Change. science2017.globalchange.gov/downloads/CSSR_Ch1_Our_Globally_Changing_Climate.pdf. 

“Six Ways Loss of Arctic Ice Impacts Everyone.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/pages/six-ways-loss-of-arctic-ice-impacts-everyone#:~:text=Polar%20ice%20caps%20are%20melting,declined%20by%20a%20stunning%2095%25.